I-League: Gokulam Kerala wary for motivated Arrows

Gokulam Kerala FC have had a stop-start season so far with one good performance followed by a poor one that has left them hanging in the mid-table of the I-League.
However, Vincenzo Alberto Annese's side will be hoping to build on some momentum on the back of a convincing 3-1 win against TRAU from last week when they take on bottom-placed Indian Arrows at the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata today.The match will kick off at 7 pm. A win would help Gokulam leapfrog Aizawl into the top-four.
Even though Gokulam appear the stronger side, they cannot afford to take Arrows lightly as the development side of the All India Football Federation is riding high after upsetting Mohammedan SC 1-0, last week, for their first win of the season.
Alberto Annese is wary of the challenges Arrows pose. “We are preparing for the Indian Arrows just like any other team. They might be a young team, but age is just a number. They have just won against Mohammedan, a side against whom we lost. They will be more motivated, more aggressive, and more compact. We will need to be focused and try to beat them soon,” he said during the pre-match press conference.
While Shanmugam Venkatesh’s Arrows anchor the points table with just four points, they have nothing to lose and will be hoping to cause another upset against a side that has had a mixed set of results this season.
Speaking at the virtual pre-match press conference, Venkatesh said: “Winning games always increases a team’s confidence and motivation. The boys are enjoying the game, and playing their role in the team. The positive thing is everybody is ready for any challenge that comes in our way. The next match is another tough game, and another great opportunity to learn.
“Gokulam Kerala are a strong team. We have played well against two strong teams- Punjab and Mohammedan. I am sure the boys are ready for this game as well,” the coach added.